London, August 11: Recently, an official in Pakistan was transferred due to his affiliation with the minority Ahmadia Muslim community. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned this discriminatory action based on religious identity. They allege that this decision followed a calculated campaign by extremists.
The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC), based in the UK, expressed deep concern and provided details of the incident. They stated, “The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) appointed Nagman Ahmad as the Assistant Director of Land Records (ADLR) in the Chiniot district.”
Members of the extremist group Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Organization launched a campaign against his appointment. They repeatedly referred to him as “Qadiani” (a derogatory term used against Ahmadis) and demanded his removal from Laliyan.
According to the human rights organization, just days later, on August 8, officials issued an order directing Nagman Ahmad to report immediately to the PLRA headquarters. The same order assigned another official to take over the ADLR position in Laliyan.
The IHRC noted, “The order did not specify why Ahmad was instructed to report to headquarters. However, it was mentioned that this decision followed the campaign demanding his removal. Those opposing him celebrated this transfer as a victory for their efforts.”
Describing the sequence of events as deeply troubling, the IHRC stated, “An Ahmadia Muslim was appointed to a government position. Radical groups publicly objected to his religious identity, demanded his removal, and threatened further protests. Subsequently, he was removed from that posting, and the same groups are now celebrating this outcome as a victory.”
The organization further stated, “We demand immediate and clear answers from Punjab officials. If government officials can be targeted and removed due to extremists’ objections to their religious identity, the implications for the future could be severe. This fosters an environment where religious intolerance can affect government institutions and the equal rights of Pakistani citizens.”
The Ahmadia community already faces severe legal and institutional discrimination throughout Pakistan. The IHRC urged the United Nations, UN special rapporteurs, international human rights organizations, and democratic governments to closely monitor the deteriorating situation of Ahmadis in Pakistan and to pressure the Pakistani government to fulfill its responsibilities under international human rights law, ensuring the protection of individuals’ religions without discrimination.
This incident highlights another distressing issue for minorities. The statement noted, “The ongoing indoctrination of children with communalism, along with interference in the funeral and mourning arrangements of religious minorities, reflects a significant culture of intolerance that requires immediate international attention.”
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